Harper is probably most famous for playing the iconic TV character Rhoda Faye Morgenstern on "Mary Tyler Moore" for which she won four Emmys and a Golden Globe. Harper would go on to star in the popular spinoff, "Rhoda." Her career has included roles on Broadway and the movies. More recently, you may have seen her playing a judge on Lifetime's "Drop Dead Diva" or heard her as a guest on "The Simpsons."

In a statement obtained by HLN Thursday, Mary Tyler Moore said "I'm absolutely devastated by this news. Valerie has given so much joy, laughter and love to the world. I join her fans and send much love and positive thoughts to her and her family during this difficult time."

In the newest People magazine, which hits stands Friday, Harper reveals her doctors told her last month that she has a rare condition in which cancer cells invade the membrane around the brain. Doctors say she has as little as three months to live.